Indianapolis Spotlight: Livery

Livery in Indianapolis is a unique and popular dining destination known for its Latin-inspired cuisine and distinctive setting.¹

🏗️ History and What Makes it Unique

Livery’s Indianapolis location stands out because of its historic building and rooftop seating.²

• Historic Setting: The restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored 1890s building that originally served as a horse stable (a livery), which is the inspiration for its name.³ This historical architecture provides a unique, rustic, yet elegant ambiance.

   

• Latin Flair: The concept offers a fusion of Latin flavors to the Indianapolis dining scene, a departure from some of the other concepts by its parent company, Cunningham Restaurant Group (CRG).⁴

   

• Rooftop Patio: One of its most celebrated features is the two-story layout, which includes a rooftop patio that offers a casual dining experience “under the stars,” especially popular during warmer months.⁵

   

• Art and Design: The building’s heritage and the surrounding Mass Ave art culture are highlighted by a decorative, fanciful mural on one side of the refurbished building.⁶

   

🍽️ Highlight Menu Items and Cuisine

Livery focuses on Latin-inspired cuisine, offering a variety of small plates, empanadas, and entrées.⁷ The menu is designed to be accessible and flavorful.⁸

Popular Dishes & Menu Categories

• Empanadas: These are often highlighted as a must-try, available in a variety of flavors like Steak, Chicken, Mushroom, and Queso.⁹

   

• Appetizers (Primero): Highly rated items include the Yuca Fries (with queso blanco and chihuahua cheese) and Sweet Plantains (served with black bean purée and habanero-guajillo sauce).¹⁰ The Cauliflower appetizer is also noted as a favorite.¹¹

   

• Entrées (Segundo):¹² Signature main courses include the Skirt Steak (served with manchego-polenta fry) and Paella (featuring shrimp, scallop, and chorizo fried rice).¹³

   

• Libations: The bar is noted for its wide selection of Tequilas and Mezcals, and for serving Margaritas on tap.¹⁴

   

💬 Customer Feedback

Overall, Livery is often praised for its:

• Atmosphere: Described as cozy, welcoming, and classy, with the rooftop being a significant draw.¹⁵

   

• Cocktails & Appetizers: Reviews frequently single out the appetizers and drinks as the standout items, with the libations being “dangerously delicious” and “solid.”¹⁶

   

• Flavorful Dishes: Customers appreciate the “authentic spicy flavorings” and the generous, well-seasoned portions, particularly the empanadas.¹⁷

   

• Service: The staff is often described as friendly and efficient, contributing to an enjoyable experience.¹⁸

   

Some minor criticisms occasionally mentioned include some dishes being too spicy for those with low tolerance, and a few main courses not reaching the same high standard as the appetizers.

📅 Significant Events

While Livery may not host publicly advertised, major annual festivals, its space is very active for private events and social gatherings.¹⁹

• Private Dining & Events: Livery offers customizable private dining options for both social and business functions.²⁰ They have a variety of spaces available that can seat small groups up to 100 guests, offering pre-fixe and small bites packages.²¹

   

📍 Contact Information & Links

For the Indianapolis location: